A Representative from Florida; born in Valdosta, Lowndes County, Ga., June 6, 1945; graduated from Jefferson County High School, Monticello, Fla., 1963; B.S., Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fla., 1969; United States Army, 1969-1971; farmer; member of the Florida state house of representatives, 1989-1996; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Fifth and to the six succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1997-January 3, 2011); unsuccessful candidate for reelection to the One Hundred Twelfth Congress in 2010.